Letters

Thank You for the Interview This is the most underrated type of letter. Writing it is primarily a polite thing to do, but it can also do wonders to promote the reader’s interest in you.

For every five people interviewed for the position, only one probably bother to write a thank you letter. If everything else is equal, that is, ability, experience, personality, and education, then the one outstanding feature that will set you apart from the competition will almost likely be this letter. It should be normally being written no later than two days after the interview and, as with all job search letters, it should be typed on your personal stationary if possible. It is not necessary to write if another meeting is scheduled within a day or two after the first, but a thank you letter should be written after this next interview.

Do not overstate: simply thank the individual for his or her time and interest. Mention positive things that will be important in encouraging the interviewer to make a decision in your favor. They could be qualities he mentioned as desirable in a person holding this position, which you feel you have, but which you may not have brought up to a sufficient degree in the interview.

This letter can also be used to correct a comment you might have made which was not worded quite properly. If you think it may improve your chances, simply reconstruct what you said to what you meant to say (in a more positive manner).

The last comment to make is that you are most interested in a position and wish to be considered for it. Tell him you want the job and that you hope to hear from him in the near future. This is an important point, because even if others write a “Thank You” letter, very few will tell the interviewer (in a polite way) that they desire the position.

Rejection Responses

If the Company rejects you, it does mean that you no longer have a responsibility to respond, especially if you were fortunate enough to have had an interview or two before being rejected.

You contact and/or the person who rejected you can still be employed to your advantage. Unless he literally hated you, he can still offer some ideas and/or leads separate from his own Company or division. He may have thought you were a very strong candidate but not quite right for that particular position.

This type of letter can bring about amazing results. The two points brought-up: critique, and keeping you in mind for future opportunities, is definitely worth pursuing. Don’t forget this! You just might change his mind and he might re-interview you, either now or when another opportunity arises.

Acceptance of an Offer

Doesn’t that sound great! It should, because when you get to this letter, your career is on its way.

Sometimes when an offer is made, the Company will send you a letter describing the offer and all the benefits, including vacation time, etc. but if someone offers you a job merely on a handshake, thank him and mention that you assume he will sending you something in writing to cover the offer. If this individual says: “Take my word for it. You are going to get all we discussed”. Thank him, telling him you appreciate the offer and are most interested, but would like a day or two to think about it before accepting it. That is really not asking too much. When you get home, type a letter similar to the following and send by e-mail, with a return receipt requested. Keep a copy for yourself. Sending it this way is more costly but you will have proof that he has received it. This is important, because the letter is literally a contract in reverse.